Pagosa Springs High School spring break finds students traveling with their families, skiing and even “surfing” the San Juan River in a kayak, as my son has been doing; enjoying a little time off before the last push of the year ends with final projects and exams.

Some of those students will be shopping for prom dresses and hoping to receive acceptance letters from the college of their choice; spring can be an exciting time of year for many reasons.

It is also the time of year that a local group of moms, known as “The AfterProm Moms” finish final preparations for the party after the prom held at the Ross Aragon Community Center.

It was started almost 10 years ago by a handful of concerned moms who didn’t want local youth to join national statistics which show prom night is the most dangerous night of the year. Risky behavior could be mitigated by a fun party in a safe place; and the annual AfterProm Party offers different options each year, including riding a “bungee bull,” running an inflatable obstacle course and a chance to win many valuable prizes.

Attendees can have a photo with friends “on the cover” of a magazine of their choice, printed the evening of the party, and they can bet with chips while playing casino games, while partaking of food and soft drinks, including coffee drinks donated each year by McDonald’s.

This year, the AfterProm Moms have rounded up a Kindle Fire and an iPod docking station, along with the Realtors Association-donated laptop and Summit Ski and Sports-donated snowboard and Skullcandy headphones, and other goodies.

One of my duties on the committee involves creation of a letter, which is included in a school spring mailing to parents of juniors and seniors, asking for a small donation of $10 or $20 to help fund the party.

This year, I missed the deadline and so this article goes out to families of all PSHS upperclassmen. If everyone gives a little, it can be a lot!

Keeping youth safe is a worthwhile goal, and the AfterProm Party can provide lifetime fond memories for Pagosa Springs High School classmates.

Please drop your tax-deductible donation at the community center or mail to P.O. Box 3187; checks made payable to the Ross Aragon Community Center, with AfterProm Party in memo, please.

Any questions can will be answered by committee chair volunteer Lynn Johnson, 946-2728, or members Addi Greer, 264-4596 ,and Cheryl Bowdridge, 264-5141.

We thank you in advance for your contribution. Together, we can make springtime in Pagosa fun and safe for all.